Elite lineup: Women to watch at the 2026 Charleston Open
Daniel Island is about to see some serious tennis firepower.
The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open, March 28-April 5, has unveiled a preliminary field loaded with elite talent, including 10 players ranked in the WTA Top 25, four former Charleston champions, and 11 Americans ready to make their mark.
“This year’s field reflects the strength and depth of women’s tennis right now,” said Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “With 10 top 25 players confirmed, a strong group of American contenders and athletes representing 20 different countries, the level of competition in Charleston will be incredibly high. From established champions to emerging talent, fans can expect world-class play on the green clay of Credit One Stadium.”
At the top is World No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the defending Charleston champ and 2025 U.S. Open finalist. Pegula has been a powerhouse on the tour, and she’s coming back to Daniel Island ready to defend her crown.
Close behind is No. 6 Amanda Anisimova, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year; No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova, a two-time Charleston semifinalist; and No. 12 Belinda Bencic, the 2022 Charleston champion and Olympic Gold Medalist.
Rising stars and fan favorites are part of the mix too, including 18-year-old No. 17 Iva Jovic, last year’s Guadalajara champion; No. 18 Madison Keys, a 2025 Australian Open winner and 2019 Charleston champion; No 19 Elise Mertens; No. 20 Diana Shnaider, fresh off her Monterrey title; No. 21 Anna Kalinskaya; and Lowcountry favorite No. 27 Emma Navarro, the 2025 Merida champion.
Charleston fans will also see the strength of American tennis on display, with 11 U.S. players in the main draw, including Pegula, Anisimova, Keys, Sofia Kenin, Peyton Stearns, Hailey Baptiste, McCartney Kessler, Caty McNally, Ashlyn Krueger, Navarro, and Jovic.
Four former Charleston champions – Keys, Pegula, Bencic, and Daria Kasatkina (2017) – return for another shot at the title. Add three Grand Slam champions and five Grand Slam finalists, and every round is set to deliver high-stakes matchups.
With a singles draw of 48, qualifying rounds for 24, and doubles action for 16 teams, the 2026 COCO offers nine days of nonstop tennis, blending established stars with breakout talent.